Council approves grants for DWI patrols, fighting computer crimes against children

Wednesday

Nov 14, 2012 at 3:15 AM

By Liz Markhlevskayalmark@fosters.com

ROCHESTER — The City Council on Tuesday approved several grants that will fund extra police patrols in Rochester in upcoming months.

The two grants from the N.H. Highway Safety Agency, both in the amount of $5,850, will fund DWI patrols, as well as enforcement of drivers running red lights in the city. These patrols will be conducted by the end of this fiscal year, which ends July 1, 2013.

Also, two grants from Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), in the amount of $3,575 and $2,672, will pay for overtime costs associated with the Police Department’s involvement with ICAC, a task force that helps federal, state and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigations of offenders who use computer technology to exploit children.

The council on Tuesday also agreed to accept a new canine for the Police Department, which will replace the 10-year-old canine Fina, who is retiring. The new canine, a lab, will join the Police Department after completing training with the Working Dog Foundation. Fina, upon retirement, will become a pet of her handling officer for the remainder of her life. The new canine, valued at $1,000, is being given to Rochester as a grant from the Working Dog Foundation.

Also Tuesday, Finance Director and Deputy City Manager Blaine Cox was named employee of the month. City Manager Daniel Fitzpatrick, in presenting him the award, said Cox was nominated by an employee who Cox oversees, who described Cox as a great boss and also a friend.

After a recommendation by the Public Safety Committee, the City Council also agreed to provide a diagonal crosswalk at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and South Main Street. The crosswalk will connect Walgreens and Cumberland Farms.

In addition, the council approved a building permit for Two Rod Road, a Class VI road that will become provide access for Tractor Supply company, planned for construction just north of Walmart on Route 11.

While the City Council also considered appropriating $55,000 to install restroom facilities at Rochester Common, the council decided Tuesday to postpone making that decision. Instead, the council will examine whether to place the project in the Capital Improvements Program after weighing the proposed restroom facilities against other capital improvement projects.